History of AWIThe Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) was incorporated in Chicago, Illinois on December 17, 1954. The President was Charles A. Rinehimer and the Board of Directors consisted of 18 members including Mr. Rinehimer.

The AWI was formed by a group of individuals who were members of the Millwork Cost Bureau, a trade association of custom millwork operators founded in 1914.

The Millwork Cost Bureau's stated purpose was to establish a cost accounting procedure for custom millwork operations and provide estimating training systems for members. Among those individuals who met to plan the formation of an "architectural woodwork association" were Mr. Charles (Chic) Rinehimer, a longtime director and onetime president of the Millwork Cost Bureau and Elmer W. Root, also a former president of the Millwork Cost Bureau.

After several meetings, the Architectural Woodwork Institute was incorporated in Chicago, IL, and its Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Illinois Secretary of State on December 17, 1954.

Past Presidents

Term

Name

Location

2018

Bruce Spitz

El Paso, TX

2017

Kristine Cox

High Point, NC

2016

Greg Lutz

Wylie, TX

2015

Kent Gilchrist

Carmel, IN

2014

Randy Jensen

Auburn, AL

2013

Michael Bell

Davie, FL

2012

Matt Lundahl

Phoenix, AZ

2011

Robert Stout

Wendell, NC

2010

Doug Carney

Fargo, ND

2009

Whitney Coombs

Hannover, PA

2007-2008

Richard Ungerbuehler, Sr.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

2006-2007

Ed Brewer

Louisville, KY

2005-2006

Rick Kogler

Baton Rouge, LA

2004-2005

Kirsten Ingham

Arlington, WA

2003-2004

Jay Blankenship

Columbus, GA

2002-2003

Scott Nelson

Lincoln, NE

2001-2002

Douglas Mock

Granville, OH

2000-2001

Michael Quirk

Wayata, MN

1999-2000

Bruce Cody

Roanoke, VA

1998-1999

Philip Duvic

Potomac Falls, VA

1997-1998

Joseph Bossen

Cinnaminson, NJ

1996-1997

Robert Ziegelmeier

Somers, NY

1995-1996

Craig Johnson

Osceola, WI

1994-1995

Yves DesMarais

Hollywood, FL

1993-1994

Joe Sorrelli

Brooklyn, NY

1992-1993

Brad Ricketson

Tucson, AZ

1991-1992

Lee Biagiotti*

Albany, NY

1990-1991

Stan Robuck*

Salina, KS

1989-1990

Dave Mengler*

Algonquin, IL

1988-1989

Burl Terrill

Mertzon, TX

1987-1988

Rudy Scassellati

Placitas, NM

1986-1987

James Hamilton, Sr.

Winchester, VA

1985-1986

Charles Pugsley

Oklahoma City, OK

1984-1985

Ted Bolle*

Springfield, OH

1983-1984

Theodore Petersen

St. Louis, MO

1982-1983

Ed Nolen

Knoxville, TN

1981-1982

Rick Ohlson

Lakewood, WA

1980-1981

Clete Ernster*

Cuero, TX

1979-1980

Dick Currie*

Hutchinson, KS

1978-1979

Williiam Hanselman

Edwardsville, IL

1977-1978

John McDonald*

Miami, FL

1976-1977

Albert Morante*

Monroe Township, NJ

1975-1976

Marlin Olsen*

Eugene, OR

1974-1975

Lloyd Burton

Virginia Beach, VA

1973-1974

Robert Morency*

West Dundee, IL

1972-1973

Bud Lundahl

Phoenix, AZ

1971-1972

William Otis

Pawley's Island, SC

1970-1971

John Mielach*

Edison, NJ

1969-1970

Lou Dietz*

Haverford, PA

1968-1969

Eldredge Leeming

Vero Beach, FL

1967-1968

Cedric Thompson*

Simsbury, CT

1966-1967

James Elliot*

Norfolk, VA

1965-1966

James O'Neill, Jr.*

Rome, GA

1964-1965

William Winter*

Williamsport, PA

1963-1964

Wayne Sandberg*

Salt Lake City, UT

1962-1963

Norman Vaughn, Sr.*

Warwick, RI

1961-1962

Ralph Harrison*

Nashville, TN

1960-1961

Robert Koll*

Winnetka, IL

1959-1960

Robert Hoe, Jr.*

Poughkeepsie, NY

1958-1959

Elmer Root*

Appleton, WI

1957-1958

Claude Twiellenmeier*

St. Louis, MO

1955-1957

Albert Carlson*

Minneapolis, MN

1953-1955

Charles Rinehimer*

Elgin, IL

* denoted Deceased

Honorary Life Members

Honorary Life Members are individuals who have contributed exemplary service to the association, its members, and AWI's Mission as deemed by his/her peers.